Learn how to make a quick and easy baked potato microwave bag that’s perfect for speeding up dinner on busy nights! This fun little project is a game-changer for baked potato lovers—just pop your potatoes in the bag, toss it in the microwave, and you’ll have fluffy, delicious potatoes in minutes.
I’ll walk you through all the steps in the video tutorial, plus share tips on fabric choices, safety, and getting the best results.
It’s a fast, beginner-friendly project that makes a great gift or a handy addition to your own kitchen.
Baked Potato Microwave Bag
Seriously this thing is my all time favorite. Lately I’ve even been cooking sweet potatoes in it.
It works just the same if you are wondering about that. Put a little bit of butter and salt and smush it up with a fork.
Perfect.
A couple of years ago there was a full tutorial with images on making a microwave potato bag, but putting it on video is better!
There is something wonderful about watching the process!
Plus, I had given my potato bag away to Jerika -the oldest and I needed a new one.
Want the ad free pdf file?! Scroll to the bottom of the post for more details!
Materials Needed:
- 2 fabrics- lining and outside each measuring 25 X 11
- 100% cotton batting (anything other will burn in the microwave!) This product is perfect for using in the microwave
- 100% cotton thread
- Fabric: Coordinating fabric and optional scraps
- Tools: Rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, sewing machine
- Thread: Matching or contrasting
- Extras: Pins, iron, marking tools (optional)
Baked Potato Microwave Bag Tutorial:
1) Layer your three pieces -right sides facing and batting on the bottom
2) Sew all the way around the pieces, leaving a 3 opening for turning
3) Snip your corners to reduce bulk and turn right sides out
4) Iron the edges and push the points out
5) Sew all the way around the piece of fabric -close the opening with the stitching or by hand with the ladder stitch
6) Over lap the ends and pin in place approx. 2 overlap
7) Flatten the bag, lining the overlap near the top of the bag
8) Sew the sides directly on top of the stitching from step 5
Now you can stuff you microwave potato bag with potatoes and start cooking! Yummy!
Buy a printable / ad free digital copy below. This is not needed or required to se the project.
Extra Tips For Your Baked Potato Microwave Bag
– What Type of Fabric Should You Use?
This is a super important detail—especially for safety. When making a baked potato microwave bag, you want to use 100% cotton fabric.
That includes the outer fabric, the lining, the batting (yes, you need 100% cotton batting too!), and even the thread. Polyester fabrics or blends can melt or catch fire in the microwave, so sticking to all-natural materials is a must.
If you’re unsure, check the label on the fabric bolt, or do a quick burn test on a scrap—cotton will burn to a fine ash, while synthetic fibers will melt or bead.
– Safety Reminder: Always Stay Nearby When Using the Bag
Even with the right materials, it’s smart to keep an eye on your baked potato bag while it’s in the microwave. Different microwave wattages, cook times, and potato sizes can impact the heat.
Avoid overcooking or using excessively long cook times to prevent scorching or fire hazards.
– What Size Should You Make?
For a standard size, cutting your fabric and batting at 10” x 22” is a great place to start.
This size comfortably holds 2-4 medium potatoes. If you often cook larger potatoes, or want a bigger bag, you can adjust the dimensions accordingly—just make sure your microwave can handle the size!
– Can You Use the Bag for Other Foods?
Absolutely! While it’s called a baked potato bag, it’s also great for warming tortillas, heating rolls, or even steaming small veggies like corn or carrots.
Just keep in mind that moisture builds up inside the bag, so wipe it down or let it air dry between uses
Are You Ready To Get Cooking? Here Are The Minutes.
Bake your first potato! Microwaves will vary, but here is an approximate time calculator:
2 Large Russet Potatoes: 8 minutes
2 Large Red Potatoes: 8 minutes
3 Medium Bread Rolls: 20 seconds
2 Medium Sweet Potatoes: 10 minutes
2 Large Corn Cobs: 6 minutes
How About Sewing Up A Microwave Pot Holder?!!
Your kitchen need a few new things? Here are some great projects to update it with a few fun kitchen sewing projects.
More Kitchen Sewing Projects:
Large Quilted Hotpad – Use it under your cookie sheets
Casserole hotpad with two pockets.
- Microwave projects you can sew – it’s a great collection
- Simple quilted hotpad with a pocket
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What materials are safe for the potato microwave bag?
Always use 100% cotton for the outer fabric, lining, batting (like Wrap & Zap), and thread. Synthetic fabrics can melt or ignite in the microwave
2. Is it safe to microwave this bag multiple times?
Use caution—cotton batting can overheat if used too long or repeatedly. Monitor your microwave’s power and bag heat and remove promptly
3. Can I use this bag for things other than potatoes?
Yes! It’s great for heating tortillas, rolls, corn, vegetables, and more — just beware of moisture buildup inside the bag
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
Follow me here: Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube
Do you soak the bag first so it is wet when you bake the potatoes?
I’ve heard of this, but no- i don’t do that. the bag does feel a little damp though when you take it out and the potato is cooked. it surrounds the potato with all the moisture.
Can you use cotton flannel instead of thicker cotton batting? Thanks
If you truly want this to be microwave safe I would suggest using Wrap and Zap that is available on line at JoAnn’s or in the store. Cotton batting has been known to over heat and start the potato bag on fire.
Question:
Above you say cotton batting can burn in the microwave but on your list of materials you say to use 100% cotton batting. I don’t understand. Please help.
Thank you
Debbie
Cotton batting can burn in the microwave. In fact, my all-cotton-constructed potato bag caught fire, and I’m glad I realized it and pulled it out. It depends on how damp it gets (the potato is putting off steam) and how long it stays damp while the microwave is in use. Polyester will not melt or burn, but the cotton fabric can burn, again, if there is enough moisture and time in the microwave. The extended time needed to bake potatoes is risky in a potato bag. While these are cute and sound like a great idea, you don’t need them to bake a potato in the microwave.
The batting should be 100 percent COTTON. Mot polyester NO DzczrIM. Not polyester as it willelt. You should not leave the bag in the microwave.
It is recommended to use 100% cotton thread and wrap n zap cotton batting on anything that will be in the microwave. Even 100% cotton batting has a small amount of flammable materails.
I have the original pattern from the Warm Company pkg and they suggest wrapping the potatoes in paper towels, then placing it in the bag to microwave. I have never had a problem with this.